Jesse Lingard is edging closer to signing for Saudi Pro League side Al Ettifaq but is unable to make his debut until January.
Lingard played in a friendly and scored against Al Khaldiya this week with talks continuing over a permanent deal.
Al Ettifaq boss Steven Gerrard wants to add Lingard to his squad but is unable to do so until January due to the foreign players' rule in Saudi.
Rules state that Saudi Pro League clubs can only have a maximum of eight foreign players in their matchday squad. As it stands, Al Ettifaq already have 10 registered - including former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson and ex-Everton winger Demarai Gray.
Some of the foreign players in the squad will need to be moved on in January to allow Lingard to officially be unveiled as an Al Ettifaq player.
